Marriage License

Applications for a Marriage License are accepted from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Application Requirements

Applicants must apply in person and present a valid picture ID. (If 1 of the applicants cannot appear in person, please contact the Recorder's Office to discuss your options.) If either person has had a previous marriage, which was terminated (death, divorce or annulment), the date, city, state, and county of termination must be provided.

Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age; however, applicants ages 16-17, with consent of the minor's legal custodial parents, guardian, or the court, may apply. An additional $20 fee will be charged and the application will then be sent for approval by a district court judge. Contact the Recorder's Office for forms and additional information.

Applicants requesting a name change that have a felony conviction on or after August 1, 2000 are subject to a 30 day waiting period. Additional paperwork will be required.

No blood tests are required.

Required Application & Fee

The marriage license application can be filled out online. The application does NOT need to be printed by the applicants. Signatures will be done in person at the time of completion and payment in the Recorder's Office. Applicants must appear in person to complete the application process within 90 days.

Permanent address for mailing the Certified Marriage Certificate to the couple after the marriage ceremony. If you are unsure of an address, a parent's address or some other permanent address can be used.

If a replacement Marriage License needs to be issued, there is a $25 replacement fee.

Name Change Information

Once you have received the Certified Marriage Certificate in the mail, if a name change was requested on the application, your passport, driver's license and Social Security card will need to be changed. You can obtain the "Application for a Social Security Card" (Form SS-5) by visiting the Social Security website. Contact the local Social Security Office by calling 877-335-4114 or visiting the Federal Building at:
657 N. 2nd Ave.
Room 320
Fargo, ND 58102